WWE Raw 5 Takeaways: Cenation Leader Tops Balor Club Leader

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1. John Cena’s Win Hurts Finn Balor’s Recent Momentum

John Cena has been in a part-time role in the WWE over the past year or two as he takes on new challenges outside of the WWE.  But even while not being on TV like he used to be, Cena still produces and takes part in matches that many fans call dream matches.

And last night saw another match that many consider a dream match between Cena and Finn Balor, two of the four final participants in the Royal Rumble match the night before.  This match’s stakes were high as the winner would advance to the Elimination Chamber match to determine the number one contender for Brock Lesnar and the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34.

As most expected, Cena and Balor put on a stellar match that went back and forth.  Big Match John told a great story in the process as he just couldn’t put away the leader of the Balor Club.  But finally, after an AA from the top rope, Cena got the win over Balor.  The match was solid, but many believe this wasn’t the way the match needed to go.

Balor has had a wave of momentum as of late since reuniting with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson and he had a very impressive showing in the Royal Rumble match.  It would have made perfect sense for him to be in the Elimination Chamber match, but it appears as if he won’t be in the match now.  This doesn’t look good for Balor’s main event quest either.

Next: WWE Raw Review For Jan. 29 Show

Cena can still produce high-quality matches and is still a valuable commodity in the WWE, but last night, it came at the expense of someone who needs to sustain momentum.